The Mage's Familiar

05. Healing a Stranger

It was past midday by the time they finally crossed the threshold of the cottage and were able to relax. Olwen changed into her nightgown and collapsed onto the bed with a sigh, hoping to nap until the afternoon. Nas curled up in her arms and they dozed peacefully for a while without even bothering to unpack Olwen's knapsack. However before an hour had passed there was a sharp knock on the door. Grumbling, Olwen extracted herself from her comforter and wrapped herself in a robe. But as she approached the door to open it, a hand came from behind her and held the door closed. She was startled for a moment but turned back to find Nas standing just behind her in human form. He was so close she could see every small detail of his face. She blushed and turned back to the door.

"What is it?" she asked.

"It's him," Nas growled. "The man from the mountain. I can smell him."

Olwen's hand had grasped the handle of the door but she let it fall, hesitating while she tried to decide whether or not she should open it.

"He may just be here for healing," she whispered.

"Or he followed us, Master," Nas protested.

His blue eyes were fierce as he wrapped his free arm around her waist and pulled her against his chest protectively.

"I don't trust him."

"He might be injured, Nas. If the villagers discover that I turned him away they might not come here anymore. There is another healer only twenty miles away. I can't afford to ignore him."

Nas sighed deeply, releasing her from his grasp.

"I will remain in this form, Master. I cannot protect you as a cat."

Olwen nodded as another knock rattled the door. She pulled it open slowly as Nas retreated to sit in a chair near the window. True to his word, the stranger from the mountain stood on the other side. She was careful not to show that she recognized him, but it was clear that he knew who she was.

"Can I help you, sir?" she asked curtly.

The man stood up slightly taller and smoothed his clothing. Like Olwen and Nas he had slept roughly the night before and his clothing was wrinkled. His tousled hair stuck out in all directions but he still made an attempt to appear important as he addressed her.

"Yes," he replied. "I am seeking your services, Miss."

He pulled back his right sleeve to reveal an ugly gash on his forearm. It was red and angry, clearly a wound he had gotten in a spectacular stumble down the mountain. Small pieces of debris were embedded in the skin and it was obvious that it was painful. Olwen opened her door fully and invited him inside, retrieving a potion and warm wet cloth from the cabinet. Nas watched quietly from his seat and it wasn't until the stranger was seated at the table that he even noticed the Familiar's presence.

Olwen carefully wiped the wound clean as the stranger introduced himself.

"My name is Kari," he said, hissing softly as she ran the cloth over his injury. "The villagers have told me your name is Olwen. Is that right?"

Olwen sighed inwardly but maintained her composure, only showing a slight interest.

"Yes sir," she replied.

He babbled about his recent travels as she tended to him, barely stopping to take a breath. He was a scholar as she had predicted and was doing a study of the rare herbs in his region. It was dreadfully boring though she had to admit his excitement was infectious. As she opened the potion she had brought a sweet floral smell filled the room. Kari commented on the fragrance, complimented her gentle hands, and pointedly ignored Nas who was growing more and more agitated as he watched the two of them interact. Olwen could sense Nas's anxiety and quickly saturated her cloth in the potion and pressed it to Kari's wound. He gasped but soon uttered a small sound of contentment as the pain began to subside. After only a few moments Olwen pulled the cloth away to reveal only a small scar where the injury had once been. Kari looked down at it in amazement. Olwen was surprised by his reaction. Most people had been healed at least once in their lives. It was a valuable gift to have and most took full advantage of it, especially the wealthy.

She straightened up and put her materials away. There was still enough potion left to treat at least one more patient. Kari rose from his seat and flexed his arm, smiling broadly.

"Thank you, Miss! It feels good as new. I am very impressed."

"Thank you, sir. I will accept your payment now and then I should return to my work. I was occupied when you arrived."

"Of course, of course!"

He reached into his bag and pulled out a small coin purse. When he placed it into Olwen's hand she could feel that it was heavier than it should be. She opened it and found gold coins inside, worth far more than most of the trades she accepted for her services. Kari gave her a searching look as if he expected a big reaction. But she remained impassive as she dropped the coins into the pocket of her robe. Ignoring his disappointment she guided him towards the door.

"Have a nice day, sir," she said firmly. But he dug his heels in.

"Can I ask one last question?" he asked. She paused, a suspicious look on her face.

"Yes?"

"Have you considered becoming a knight?"

Olwen felt a wave of fear rush over her and her face flushed angrily. Nas jumped to his feet so quickly that Kari flinched, having forgotten that he was even there. He crossed the room in three long strides and opened the front door forcefully, standing threateningly close to Kari who looked to Olwen for her answer. But upon seeing the anguished expression on her face he hesitated.

"No," she replied. "Never."

Kari cleared his throat and nodded, slinking past Nas and into the sunny afternoon. The door closed sharply behind him. It was not the reaction he had been expecting. He thought she would be curious or even ask questions. Perhaps she would be flattered. But anger? Why would she bristle so easily at his question? Kari reached into his pocket and closed his hand around the seeker stone that was flashing in his pocket. She would be a perfect addition to the Emperor's guard. Her beauty and strong magic would be coveted by any man, but none more than the Emperor himself. He was well-known for his female guard. They were an intimidating group, unmatched in their abilities and all young and beautiful. But many suspected that they fulfilled a more intimate purpose for the Emperor. It was even suspected that he might choose his Empress from these knights, rather than participate in a political marriage. Kari considered this carefully as he wandered down the path and back into the village. He could not help but be drawn to Olwen. If he told the Emperor's advisor about her abilities he would certainly come to recruit her and Kari would be able to see her more often. But she was so resistant that he had grown worried. It was unlikely that she would come of her own accord. And the man with her, who was he? These thoughts plagued him as he returned to the inn where he was staying and prepared to take the next carriage back to the Capital.

In the cottage Olwen was breathing hard, leaning against the door and trying not to panic. Nas stepped towards her and took her carefully in his arms, holding her against his chest until her heartbeat slowed and her body began to relax. She touched his arm gently with her hand and he released her, reaching up to brush her hair out of her eyes.

"Are you okay, Master?" he asked softly. She nodded but did not reply. He followed her as she fled the room and collapsed onto the bed, wrapping herself up in the comforter. He shifted quickly back into his cat form and curled up on her lap. For once she could find little comfort in his presence and her mind was tormented by the possibility of her recruitment. She couldn't possibly refuse a summons from the Emperor. Becoming a knight would shatter her dream of a peaceful life and throw her into the politics and drama of court life. She groaned and fell back onto the mattress. All she could do is hope that Kari kept his mouth shut.